Autism spectrum in patients with schizophrenia: correlations with real-life functioning, resilience, and coping styles

Background Previous researches highlighted among patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) a significant presence of autistic traits, which seem to influence clinical and functional outcomes. The aim of this study was to further deepen the investigation, evaluating how patients with SSD with or without autistic traits may differ with respect to levels of functioning, self-esteem, resilience, and coping profiles. Methods As part of the add-on autism spectrum study of the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses, 164 outpatients with schizophrenia (SCZ) were recruited at eight Italian University psychiatric clinics. Subjects were grouped depending on the presence of significant autistic traits according to the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum) instrument (AT group vs No AT group). Other instruments employed were: Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Specific Levels of Functioning (SLOF), Self-Esteem Rating scale (SERS), Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), and brief-COPE. Results The AT group reported significantly higher scores than the No AT group on SLOF activities of community living but significantly lower scores on work skills subscale. The same group scored significantly lower also on SERS total score and RSA perception of the self subscale. Higher scores were reported on COPE self-blame, use of emotional support and humor domains in the AT group. Several correlations were found between specific dimensions of the instruments. Conclusion Our findings suggest the presence of specific patterns of functioning, resilience, and coping abilities among SSD patients with autistic traits.

Automated summary

The presence of specific patterns of functioning, resilience, and coping abilities among SSD patients with autistic traits was suggested by the study. Patients with autistic traits showed higher scores in activities of community living but lower scores in work skills, self-esteem, and perception of the self. They also reported higher scores in self-blame, use of emotional support, and humor domains in coping.